Crooked Nose From Deviated Septum Rhinoplasty

When a septum is deviated, it’s not only a cosmetic concern but functionally as well. Deviated septums can make it difficult to breath, difficult to sleep, and lead to chronic headaches and nosebleeds. In some cases it can cause sleep apnea, which is a serious condition where people stop breathing in their sleep. Patients who suffer from these symptoms may want to consider septoplasty, a surgery designed to straighten the nose and fix the septum so that the nasal airways are open.

About Deviated Septums

The septum is the cartilage and bone that divides the nose in half, creating two separate airways.

A deviated septum can occur as a result of trauma to the nose or patients may be born with it.

It is important to note that the majority of people don’t have perfectly straight septums. However, when a crooked septum starts to impair the functionality of the nose, then it is likely time to consider surgery.

Septoplasty

This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and under general or local anesthesia, depending on the seriousness of the case and the patient’s personal feelings.

Fixing a deviated septum is known as septoplasty.

To fix the septum, the deviated part of the septum will be removed so that the septum and surrounding cartilage is straight. It may be replaced in the nose in a new position; this will counter any obstruction of the airway. In some cases, a cartilage graft will be used to provide additional support to the septum. If the nose is crooked, then in most cases it will be necessary to re-break the bone of the nose to perform surgery. After breaking the nose, then the bone will be set straight.

Recovery

During recovery from septoplasty, patients will be outfitted with an internal splint and soft packing material to keep the bone and cartilage straight as it heals. The nose may bleed a little for the first couple days following surgery. This is normal. Also, if the nose was broken, then there will be bruising and swelling present for one to two weeks.